Russian, Brazilian coins top Stack’s

Strong Russian coin results helped Stack’s Bowers achieve more than $14 million at its American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money auction in mid August.

The firm called the ancient and world coin portion a resounding success.

“Overall, prices realized were robust, with many previously soft areas showing a marked increase in bidder activity,” the firm noted.

Setting the pace early on, the third Russian coin offered was Lot 31132, a Peter the Great ruble dated 1720 (the finest graded by over 2 points), which realized $34,075 on a $30,000 to $40,000 estimate.

An Ivan VI ruble dated 1741-CNB in AU-55 realized $21,150 on an $18,000 to $22,000 estimate.

Additionally, Lot 31180, a spectacular platinum 1831/0-CNB 6 ruble crossed the block for $28,200 on a $20,000 to $30,000 estimate.

Lot 31202, an 1885-CNB AT 3 ruble in MS-64, finished the day at $15,275, more than triple high estimate.

Even lower grades showed strength.

Lot 31161, a 1780-CNB gold 10 ruble graded Fine-15 realized $3,290 on a $2,000 to $3,000 estimate.

A Paul I ruble dated 1797-CMOU as Lot 31170 grading Extremely Fine-45, closed at nearly twice high estimate for $5,875.

All prices realized include a 17.5 percent buyer’s premium.

In the case of Brazil, a trio of hefty 20,000 reis coins dated 1724, 1725 and 1727 sailed past high estimates with closing bids near or above $10,000 each. Additionally, a 1728-M Brazil 12,800 Reis as Lot 30148 realized $4,993.25, considerably more than twice the $1,400 to $1,800 estimate.

A similar trend was readily evident in the extensive offering of talers, taler-sized crowns, and multiple talers from the Q. David Bowers Collection. Among the 37 coins listed in the Swiss section, 26 exceeded their high estimate, with Lot 31307, a 1798-BA Helvetian Republic 40 batzen soaring to over five times high estimate and closing at $11,162.50.

Other central European talers included an exceptionally rare Pfalz-Electoral Taler dated 1611 from the Heidelberg Mint as Lot 30320, which was sold for $25,850 on a $10,000 to $15,000 estimate.

Visit www.stacksbowers.com for more information.

More Collecting Resources
• Come on down to the Chicago International Coin Fair in Rosemont, Ill. on April 14 to 17, 2016 to see impressive world coins, meet new collectors and participate in Heritage Auction’s fantastic coin auction.
• Hunter? Naturalist? Purchase the 2014 World of Hunting – Red Deer silver coin to add a majestic coin to your collection.